Words
—a poem by Paul Hellweg

A young boy I want to be
on first train ride
the world a chocolate cupcake,
vanilla icing.
Boys love trains for their romance and power
and the adrenaline thrill of adventure.
Not many boys read dictionaries,
yet words incite wars,
words formulate thoughts that win Noble prizes,
words bewitch the lonely poet in everyone’s heart.
For a heart youthful, choose carefully,
only one is the key:

A 1925 Baldwin 2-8-2 coal-fired locomotive
belching smoke and steam
wheels well-greased and clacking on
worn, smooth rails?

Or a few good words?


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Paul Hellweg is a full-time freelance writer who has had more than 200 poems published. His poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and multiple Best of the Net Awards. For more, please visit www.PaulHellweg.com or www.VietnamWarPoetry.com.